NMCB 4, UCT-1 build boat ramp for Tanzanian Navy

EO1 (SCW) James Snelling of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 4, a project supervisor with Det Tanzania, teaches surveying techniques to a member of the Tanzanian People’s Defense Force.

Photo by IT2 (SW) Cory Spangler / UCT-1

DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania — Twenty-six members of Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 4 and Underwater Construction Team (UCT) 1 are in Tanzania for three months building a 330-foot boat ramp for the Tanzanian Navy.

In addition to the two Naval Construction Force (NCF) units, the Tanzanian People’s Defense Force (TPDF) is contributing personnel.

“This is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity,” Lt. j.g. Prince Abubakari, the detachment officer in charge, said about working with his fellow Seabees and the Tanzanian military.

When the dock is completed, Sailors in the Tanzanian Navy will be able to launch the boats they need to improve their counter-piracy capability in Dar es Salaam.

The construction of a boat ramp combines above-ground and underwater construction, which necessitates the unique skills of the UCT.

A Seabee with UCT-1 has the combined capabilities of a Navy diver and a constructionman — building while diving.

The Seabees spent their first few days clearing the project site of vegetation and debris and completing logistics tasks necessary to start construction. They are now fabricating rebar reinforcements and formwork in preparation for the concrete pour while building up the ramp foundation with self-compacting fill. The workers will use 23,000 cubic meters of self-compacting fill — enough to fill 719 20-foot shipping containers — to build the foundation and will pour 105 cubic meters of steel-reinforced concrete for the ramp.

“This project will be very beneficial to the TPDF,” Abubakari said. “Anti-piracy operations are a very high priority for them, and this boat ramp will bring a tremendous increase to their capabilities.”

He added that the Seabees’ presence has increased the Tanzanians’ trust in the United States.

“Our partnership and mutual respect has fostered an environment of camaraderie and cooperation,” he said.